Function First

Long Island City-based designer Estela Lugo recently teamed up with RoomMates Peel and Stick Décor on a line of shelves and wall decals that are whimsical, practical and child-friendly. Lugo shares the latest trends she loves and her approach to decorating her family’s home.

Long Island Pulse: Tell us about your collaboration with RoomMates. Estela Lugo: I love product design and my kids really inspired me to create functional and fun accessories for their rooms. It started with the magnetic cloud shelf and now we’ve developed an entire modular decorating system. Kids’ tastes change so fast and these temporary accessories are an affordable, easy way to change things up when they’re ready for something new.

LIP: What are some design trends that you’re monitoring for 2013? EL: Overall, I see the use of bright colors continuing to be a big influence in home design and décor, but in small doses. I’ve been working with simpler, safer palettes so now it’s a bit easier to let in a little pop of color or a bold pattern to shake things up without going overboard.

LIP: It’s easy to be tempted by trends, but how can you make them work in the family home? EL: With my family, I focus on function first and what works with our lifestyle and schedule. I have also been incorporating my One Décor Spelling Bees Chalkboard Wall Decals at home. My kids are learning to write and it’s an easy way to encourage them to practice. Once they’ve outgrown that stage, I can easily remove the decals.

LIP: What was the latest purchase you made for your home? EL: A set of MIO corkboard self-adhesive squares and I really love them. I placed them right on the wall by our entryway. It has become an instant gallery wall; a place for my kids to post their latest artwork and I add photos or invitations, that sort of thing.

Design tip: Our homes should be another extension of our personality and should fit us as well as that favorite sweater. One way to define your decorating style is to pull inspiration from your closet. If you reach for a favorite cozy sweater more often than a formal, tailored shirt, then perhaps a casual, beach-inspired style is for you.